I am a member of that generation that remembers the big full-color Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog — especially the big Christmas “wish book.” When it arrived, everyone took their turns looking through it. Hardware, clothing, appliances, kitchenware, sporting goods,…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Master plan components
Let’s wrap up this leg of our journey on master planning with a look at the specific components of a master plan. What are they? Over the course of the past several months we have been examining the technical criteria…
OPINION: The Baptists’ deal in 1776
This is a “Fourth of July article.” It is almost a speech. However, I am not going to ask you to celebrate the facts you already know — for example, about our country’s Revolutionary War and the fighting that went…
Southwest Virginia Partnership welcomes mission teams
Members of a mission team from First Baptist Church in Ashland, Va., prepares to replace the roof on a church. NICKELSVILLE, Va. — Interstate 81 is a well-traveled route this summer as Virginia Baptists take to the road to provide…
Charlottesville man spends lunch breaks helping homeless
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — While some people in downtown Charlottesville may arrive at the office with a briefcase, Steve McVey arrives with two coolers. And when others are enjoying their lunch on the mall or in the office, Steve spends his…
Global Baptist leaders travel to Malaysia for annual meeting
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — Baptist leaders from around the world are traveling this weekend to Malaysia for an annual gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. More than 300 Baptist leaders and delegates will converge on Malaysia’s capital of Kuala…
TRENDING: Balanced relationships
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) I remember the exact spot where I was driving in Charlottesville 15 years ago when I…
EDITORIAL: Aunt Ida discovers the need for pastoral care
Dear Jimmy, While your uncle is outside fumin’ about the garden, I’ll take a few minutes to bring you up to date about what’s been goin’ on around our place. First, it appears that sometime before sun-up, that the big…
Patriotism, spiritual ties may pull Christians in opposite directions
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — When war erupted between Russia and Georgia in 2008, repercussions included more than the 2,000 deaths and tens of thousands of refugees attributed to the conflict. Casualties also included relations between the two countries’ Baptist fellowships,…
One Nation Under God
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — When American Christians pledge allegiance to their nation and its flag—sometimes in worship services—does that reflect narrow nationalism or proper patriotism? Some Baptists believe it all hinges on how they interpret “one nation under God.” Nationalism,…
Hispanic Convention creates its own governing board
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ABP) — Standing at the start of its second century, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas voted to incorporate the body into a nonprofit organization with its own executive board. Convention president Jesse Rincones said the decision…
Does the Star-Spangled Banner belong in the church sanctuary?
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Christians should express love for country, experts on the intersection of Christianity and public life agree, but they advise caution in how churches demonstrate patriotism in worship settings. Patriotic music, flag displays, recognition of veterans’ sacrifice and…